Family Activities, Drysdale, Great Ocean Road and Region, Victoria, Australia

A Maze'n Games on Bellarine

A Maze 'n Games offers fun activities for the whole family to stimulate your relaxation. Lose yourself or the kids in one of Australia's largest timber mazes, relax and try a game of mini golf on the 18 hole mini golf course, or try and solve some of the large range of puzzles. You can relax your mind inside the cafe with coffee and delicious, home-made cakes or light snacks. You could also enjoy the great BBQ facilities undercover while the kids explore the playgrounds. Enjoy browsing in the spacious shop, which has an extensive range of clever gifts for all ages; many are set up for you to try.

Wallington

Adventure Park

Super charge your summer at Victoria's biggest theme park! Awesome family fun all day long, Adventure Park Geelong is home to some of the coolest water rides in Australia. Victoria's hottest and biggest theme park, Adventure Park, located just ten minutes from Geelong boasts 21 exciting rides and attractions, perfect for the whole family! Just some of the ways you can make a gigantic splash and enjoy the unlimited rides all day long include: - Raft the roaring rapids on The River Torrent Lazy River, with twisting tides and swirling gauntlets along a tropical river oasis - Speed down head first and experience the ultimate adrenaline rush of the Six Lane Aqua Racer, a speed slide for the serious thrill-seekers which can take you up to 40km per hour - Race down The Gold Rush Rapids in a speedy 20 seconds and take the two metre plunge - Take a splash in the dark on the Wild West Canyon on a two-seater raft, experiencing twists and 360 degree turns! Adventure Park is doing it for the kids, too! The Tiny Tots Splashzone keeps the young ones cool, safe and entertained, with waterfalls, mini waterslides and spray cannons throughout. While Bonito's Bay Water Play offers a state-of-the-art aquatic playground including waterfalls, water jets and more pirate-filled water fun. On dry land, families can take a ride on the popular Go Karts and Electric Cars, try a hand at Archery, discover the new Galactic Games World, challenge family and friends to a game of Mini Golf, take a leisurely ride on the Paddle Boats and Aqua Bikes and watch the world go by on the Classic Carousel. Bring in a picnic, hire a barbecue and relax lakeside under shaded picnic areas, marquees and pavilions, set amongst 21 hectares of landscaped parkland.

Wallington

Bellarine Adventure Golf

Set on six acres with beautifully landscaped gardens, Bellarine Adventure Golf has two magnificent 18 hole courses. They are great for any weather with both courses providing plenty of shelter from the sun or rain. Each course incorporates real sand and water hazards to keep you on your toes and those scores honest. People of all ages can play and they have putters to suit the smallest of kids through to the biggest.

Drysdale

Bellarine Railway

The railway hugs the water around scenic Swan Bay providing breathtaking views, before climbing through the rolling hills of the Bellarine Peninsula between Queenscliff and Drysdale. Trains operate on Sundays and additional days during Summer and school holiday periods. Visit www.bpr.org.au for further timetable information, news and events.

Drysdale

Bellarine Rail Trail

The Bellarine Rail Trail is a disused railway corridor has been reborn as a 32km walking/cycling path linking the outskirts of Geelong with the coast at the historic village of Queenscliff. The Bellarine Rail Trail mostly follows the reserve of the old Geelong-Queenscliff railway, established in 1879 to service the military fort at Queenscliff. The railway soon became a popular service with visitors heading to the coastal holiday resort, an alternative to the bay paddle steamers. Eventually, diminishing freight and a lack of patronage saw the service finally closed in 1976. The rail trail begins near the Geelong Showgrounds, about one kilometre from the South Geelong railway station and ends near the historic Queenscliff railway station. It is mainly flat, with some short, steep climbs up from Leopold toward Curlewis and Drysdale. Steam trains still run on the section between Queenscliff and Drysdale. The Bellarine Peninsula Railway's vintage trains carry passengers on Sundays and public holidays. There are many access points to the trail and bay scenery and birdlife are some of the highlights. In the future, it is planned to link the trail with the Barwon River trail network and Eastern Park.

Queenscliff

Searoad Ferries

Searoad Ferries crossing the bay between Queenscliff and Sorrento hourly between 7am and 6pm, seven days of the week 375 days of the year. Forget the long drive, come with Searoad Ferries for a restful crossing between Queenscliff and Sorrento. On your journey you may see a playful Dolphin playing in the waves of the ferry or even a whale from a distance. Connecting the Great Ocean Road and the Bellarine to the Mornington Peninsula and Phillip Island, the 40 minute crossing is a stress free alternative to driving through the city, saving you time and kilometres. Whether you travel as a foot passenger to explore the villages of Queenscliff and Sorrento, or with your car, there is much to see on the crossing - spectacular coastline, mighty ships and maybe a dolphin or two. Or perhaps you'd rather be sipping a coffee, enjoying a focaccia or slurping on an ice cream from the onboard kiosk. The twin hull vessels are built to operate in all weather conditions and can carry up to 700 passengers and 80 vehicles each. Operating Times The all weather ferries leave every hour on the hour, 7am to 6pm, 365 days of the year. A 7pm departure operates from December 26th until the end of the state of Victoria Daylight Saving. Passengers with vehicles are advised to arrive at the terminals at least 30 minutes prior to departure. The ferries depart from Queenscliff Harbour, Queenscliff and the Sorrento Pier, Sorrento. Melway references map 157 C7 (Sorrento) and map 499 J10(Queenscliff). Special Features On the 40-minute journey, unparalleled views of historic lighthouses, the Point Nepean fortifications, navigational features, seals and dolphins are available from the comfortable lounge areas, cafe style seating or numerous observation decks.

Queenscliff

Bellarine Railway

The Bellarine Railway traverses Victoria's beautiful Bellarine Peninsula near Geelong, between the historic coastal town of Queenscliff and the hinterland village of Drysdale. The railway hugs the water around scenic Swan Bay providing breathtaking views, before climbing through the rolling hills of the Bellarine Peninsula to Drysdale. Australia's unique railway experience.

Barwon Heads

Jirrahlinga Koala & Wildlife Sanctuary

The Jirrahlinga Koala & Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on five acres of land on the Northern edge of Barwon Heads. Jirrahlinga, Aboriginal for 'Seek a home for a kangaroo', was established more than 30 years ago by Tehree Gordon to be a haven for injured wildlife. Following the Ash Wednesday Bush fires in 1983, Jirrahlinga received national and international media coverage acclaiming the rescue mission launched to seek out and treat shocked and burnt animals. However, Jirrahlinga is not just for distressed native animals, it is primarily about people. Particularly people who have a disability, a special need, the frail or the aged. What better therapy could there be than to come into a supportive environment to work quietly with animals or just visit and touch a koala or joey that do not place demands on a person's physical or mental capacities.

Queenscliff

Queenscliff Harbour

Queenscliff Harbour is a modern marina precinct established in a true Victorian working harbour, so there is always something to see and do. Whether you're watching the Pilot boats returning from their trips into the rip, or you're signing on for a dive trip to one of Victoria's famous historic dive sites. Perhaps you're just taking it all in from the second story fine dining room located in the restaurant or braving the heights and soaking up the wonderful 360 degree views from the harbour's very own observation tower.

Queenscliff

Queenscliffe Historical Museum

The Queenscliffe Historical Museum is situated in Hesse Street between the Post-Office and Library, in the township of Queenscliff. Opened in 1974, specifically to house socially historical materials peculiar to the Borough of Queenscliffe (which includes Queenscliff, Point Lonsdale and Swan Island) the museum is home to many thousands of items including photographs, documents, paintings, newspapers and toys, just to mention a few. There is also a display of shipwreck relics recognised by Heritage Victoria. From 1838 the maritime history began with services offered by pilots such as George Tobin, and lighthouse keepers and signal masters such as Captain John Preston at Point Lonsdale. The story of the Borough of Queenscliffe is displayed through a representative selection from the Museum's collections of personal memorabilia, household artefacts, furniture, maps, photographs, documents and works of art. This rich source of information complements the hundreds of personal documents and diaries that have been donated by descendants of pioneers. Many of the visitors just enjoy looking at the past, but increasingly it has been found that research is often the reason for a visit. Whether you are a local resident checking on family history, local property titles or a student preparing a project, you will not be disappointed with the resources available. When next in Queenscliff pay the Queenscliffe Historical Museum a visit and become immersed in the pioneering days that made the township what it is today.

Queenscliff

Queenscliffe Maritime Museum

The Queenscliffe Maritime Museum was built in 1986 to display Queenscliff's last Lifeboat. Since then, the Museum has expanded to cover the maritime history of Queenscliff and Southern Port Phillip. This history includes the Bay Steamersd Weeroona, Hygeia, and Ozone. Old post cards of Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale, artefacts from shipwrecks, a display of early diving equipment including a divers suit and helmet air compressor and early scuba equipment. The Museum houses a unique hydrographic model of "The Rip" which shows the underwater contours at Port Phillip Heads and the shipping channel, a display which tells the fascinating history of the Port Phillip Sea Pilots and a work boat from the Pilot cutter "Wyuna". An extensive history of Victorian Lighthouses including flashers, lamps globes and intact fresnel lenses are also displayed. On display are artefacts and a history of the Chinese fishermen, the couta fishermen and a restored Fisherman's Cottage. The boat shed contains the history of the early Queenscliff boat builders, couta boats, boatbuilding tools, outboard and early marine motors and an oar making machine. In the Museum grounds you will discover the heritage listed Fishermen's Waiting Shed from the old fisherman's pier which holds the world renowned ship paintings by Henry Zanoni, the deck house from the "Shandon", an iron sailing ship built in 1883. An array of channel markers, buoys and anchors and the hull of the torpedo boat "Lonsdale" are buried in the grounds of the Museum Museum volunteers conduct tours of Point Lonsdale Lighthouse every Sunday morning between 9.30am and 1.00pm at half hourly intervals Price $6.00 - $4.00 (children under 5 years not admitted). Annual Event: Maritime Collectables Swap Meet - first Sunday in December each year.

Barwon Heads

Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary

Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary is located at the mouth of the Barwon River at Barwon Heads, about 20 kilometres to the west of the entrance to Port Phillip Bay. The Marine Sanctuary covers 17 hectares. The intertidal and shallow subtidal sandstone and basalt reefs of the marine sanctuary provide habitat for a diverse range of marine flora and fauna. The water of the reefs supports extensive kelp forests including thick patches of both Giant and Bull Kelp. The wrecks of two ships are located on the outer edges of the reef. Things to Do The marine sanctuary is a popular area for activities including swimming, rock pool rambling and snorkelling. The stands of Giant Kelp at Barwon Bluff provide an inviting swim for snorkellers, and the rock platforms are home to an abundance of life in easily accessed rock-pools. Precautions For your own safety, only undertake activities appropriate to your skills and abilities. Take all necessary precautions, be aware of changing conditions, and watch for potential hazards, such as rips. A number of marine animals are potentially harmful if not treated with respect and care, so ensure that you familiarise yourself with these species. Sunburn and hypothermia are also potentially harmful but easily avoided. For the latest information on track closures and park access, please see the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire smart. Follow the Parks Victoria checklist before travelling.

Queenscliff

Explorer Tour

Come aboard South Bay Eco Adventures, our purpose-built, fast and comfortable eco tour boat for an unforgettable two and a half hour tour of southern Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait. View Port Phillip Heads from a new perspective and explore areas only accessible by boat. This is a diverse and dynamic Explorer Tour which changes to compliment the weather conditions. It's an unforgettable two and half hour round trip which explores Southern Port Phillip Bay.

Queenscliff

Discovery Tour

The 1 hour and 15 minute Discovery tour will take you out of Queenscliff Harbour to view Port Phillip Heads from the water, discovering a different perspective of Southern Port Phillip Bay. The history of the Port Phillip Bay lighthouses and shipping channels will be highlighted as South Bay Eco Adventures traverse the bay to Point Nepean. Point Nepean offers glimpses of the notorious rip, unveiling the shipwreck past of the early settlers and the present day technology and services allowing ships to enter the Port of Melbourne. As we drift pass Fort Nepean into Nepean Bay Marine National Park, the rich military history of Port Phillip Bay will be unravelled. Nepean Bay offers a sheltered view port of the Bay, with views back to Queenscliff.

Near Torquay

Bancoora Beach

Bancoora Beach is a 1 km long, south-east facing beach located between low, basaltic, rocky points and reefs, and backed by a natural, vegetated foredune. The Bancoora Surf Life Saving Club and car park are located behind the foredune, leaving the beach in an attractive natural state. The beach receives waves averaging 1.3 m, which usually cut three rips across the 80 m wide single bar and surf zone. Higher waves intensify the rips, with strong permanent rips running out against the rocks at each end. On average, 10 people are rescued here each year. Swimming An attractive, moderately safe, patrolled beach, particularly during lower summer swell. Stay on the bars in the patrolled area, and avoid the strong rips near the rocks. Surfing Usually a low to moderate beach break, with a right hand point break out on the southern point during higher swell. Fishing Popular in summer with the campers. Offers both beach fishing with some rip holes and rock fishing off the points. General An out of the way, relatively natural beach, more popular in summer when the nearby caravan park is full and the beach is patrolled. It is only used by surfers in winter. SLSA provides this information as a guide only. Surf conditions are variable and therefore this information should not be relied upon as a substitute for observation of local conditions and an understanding of your abilities in the surf. SLSA reminds you to always swim between the red and yellow flags and never swim at unpatrolled beaches. SLSA takes all care and responsibility for any translation but it cannot guarantee that all translations will be accurate. General Beach Hazard Rating: 5 Least hazardous: 1-3 Moderately hazardous: 4-6 Highly hazardous: 7-8 Extremely hazardous: 9-10 Hazard rating refers to physical beach and surf conditions ONLY and does not include potentially dangerous marine life.

Barwon Heads

Beaches near Barwon Heads

At Barwon Heads, the coast trends due west for 7 km to Black Rocks. The first 2 km are dominated by calcarenite rocks and reefs, which outcrop on the beach and in the surf. These divide the coast into three beaches. The first (285) is below Point Finders and is a 50 m pocket of sand facing south-east and bordered by rock platforms and reefs. The two Barwon Heads beaches (286, 287) face south and are more exposed, with higher waves and patchy reefs. These conditions result in a wide, low gradient beach, rock flat and surf, with persistent and some permanent rips against the reefs. All three beaches are easily accessible. There is a car park and a lookout on Point Flinders, and car parks on the Torquay Road, which parallels the two Barwon Heads beaches. Swimming Point Flinders is relatively safe close inshore, however there are rocks and reefs off the beach. The Barwon Heads beaches are both potentially hazardous, owing to the higher waves, reefs and strong permanent rips. Surfing There are several breaks along this section, mostly reef breaks that work best at higher tide, with a low to moderate swell and north winds. Those immediately west of Point Flinders are called The Hole. Fishing There are excellent rip holes and gutters next to the reefs, together with rocks and reefs to fish from at low tide. General A reef dominated section of coast, most suitable for beach fishing and experienced surfers. Carpark Type: Formal parking area Surface: Sealed Spaces: 100 SLSA provides this information as a guide only. Surf conditions are variable and therefore this information should not be relied upon as a substitute for observation of local conditions and an understanding of your abilities in the surf. SLSA reminds you to always swim between the red and yellow flags and never swim at unpatrolled beaches. SLSA takes all care and responsibility for any translation but it cannot guarantee that all translations will be accurate. General Beach Hazard Rating: 7 Least hazardous: 1-3 Moderately hazardous: 4-6 Highly hazardous: 7-8 Extremely hazardous: 9-10 Hazard rating refers to physical beach and surf conditions ONLY and does not include potentially dangerous marine life.

Barwon Heads

Barwon Heads Bluff

The tidal flows at the mouth of the Barwon River have created an amazing landscape at the Barwon Heads Bluff. It is one of the best spots in the region to observe marine life in rockpools. More than 90% of the creatures found at the Bluff are only found in Southern Australia and nowhere else in the world. The Bluff has an enormous diversity of seaweeds from tiny encrusting pink coralline algae to mighty forests of giant and bull kelps. There are many different species of fish, snails, seastars, and other invertebrates that all make the Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary their home. The high lookout at the bluff has views towards Port Phillip Heads to the east and along the Surf Coast to the West.

Barwon Heads

Thirteenth Beach Barwon Heads

Thirteenth Beach is part of the 7 km long section of coast between Barwon Heads and Black Rock. It occupies the western 4.5 km and faces essentially due south. The beach receives waves averaging 1.5 m, is moderately sloping and is fronted by a single bar, dominated by rips every 250 m. The beach is backed by a vegetated foredune for most of its length, and the Barwon Heads to Torquay Road. The best access is provided at the surf lifesaving club, with additional car parks and access tracks located along the road. The surf club, founded in 1961, is the only development on what is a relatively natural beach. Its members rescue 5 people on average each year. Swimming Rips are a common feature of the beach, with safest bathing on the bars in the patrolled area. Strong permanent rips lie east of the surf club. The western end is adjacent to the Black Rock sewer outlet and should be avoided. Surfing A popular surfing beach with low to moderate swell providing numerous beach breaks, all readily accessible from the main road. One of the more popular areas is in front of the shipping beacon, known as The Beacon. Best with northerly winds. Fishing A good, natural spot for beach fishing, with good road access to the numerous rip holes that persist along the beach. General A relatively undeveloped beach, more popular with surfers and bathers who want a patrolled beach away from the crowds. Carpark Type: Formal parking area Spaces: 50 General Beach Hazard Rating: 6 Least hazardous: 1-3 Moderately hazardous: 4-6 Highly hazardous: 7-8 Extremely hazardous: 9-10 Hazard rating refers to physical beach and surf conditions ONLY and does not include potentially dangerous marine life.

Barwon Heads

Barwon River

From its beginnings in the Otway Ranges, the Barwon River winds its way through suburban Geelong before flowing into the ocean at Barwon Heads. The mouth of the river has sandy banks that are popular with walkers and families having a paddle or building sandcastles. Fishing is popular on the jetties near the mouth of the river and kayakers and paddlers are often seen in this area. Barwon Heads has a sailing club where laser yachts are often seen at high tide. There are also BBQs and picnic areas alongside the riverbank.

Near Wallington

Bellarine Rail Trail

The Bellarine Rail Trail is a disused railway corridor has been reborn as a 32km walking/cycling path linking the outskirts of Geelong with the coast at the historic village of Queenscliff. The Bellarine Rail Trail mostly follows the reserve of the old Geelong-Queenscliff railway, established in 1879 to service the military fort at Queenscliff. The railway soon became a popular service with visitors heading to the coastal holiday resort, an alternative to the bay paddle steamers. Eventually, diminishing freight and a lack of patronage saw the service finally closed in 1976. The rail trail begins near the Geelong Showgrounds, about one kilometre from the South Geelong railway station and ends near the historic Queenscliff railway station. It is mainly flat, with some short, steep climbs up from Leopold toward Curlewis and Drysdale. Steam trains still run on the section between Queenscliff and Drysdale. The Bellarine Peninsula Railway's vintage trains carry passengers on Sundays and public holidays. There are many access points to the trail and bay scenery and birdlife are some of the highlights. In the future, it is planned to link the trail with the Barwon River trail network and Eastern Park.

Queenscliff

Bellarine Rail Trail

The Bellarine Rail Trail is a disused railway corridor has been reborn as a 32km walking/cycling path linking the outskirts of Geelong with the coast at the historic village of Queenscliff. The Bellarine Rail Trail mostly follows the reserve of the old Geelong-Queenscliff railway, established in 1879 to service the military fort at Queenscliff. The railway soon became a popular service with visitors heading to the coastal holiday resort, an alternative to the bay paddle steamers. Eventually, diminishing freight and a lack of patronage saw the service finally closed in 1976. The rail trail begins near the Geelong Showgrounds, about one kilometre from the South Geelong railway station and ends near the historic Queenscliff railway station. It is mainly flat, with some short, steep climbs up from Leopold toward Curlewis and Drysdale. Steam trains still run on the section between Queenscliff and Drysdale. The Bellarine Peninsula Railway's vintage trains carry passengers on Sundays and public holidays. There are many access points to the trail and bay scenery and birdlife are some of the highlights. In the future, it is planned to link the trail with the Barwon River trail network and Eastern Park.

Near Barwon Heads

Breamlea

Breamlea is a small holiday settlement lying between the banks of Thompson Creek and Breamlea Beach. The beach faces south-south-east and runs for 2 km from the low basalt rocks at Noble Rocks to the mouth of the creek at Point Impossible. There is road access to the back of the fore dunes, with foot tracks crossing the 20 m high fore dune to reach the beach. The beach receives waves averaging just over 1 m, which usually produce an attached bar cut by rips every 250 m. At the creek mouth, both a tidal channel and shoals are present. Swimming A moderately hazardous beach, owing to the persistent rips and creek mouth. Stay on the attached section of the bars and clear of the rips, rocks and creek. Surfing Usually low to moderate beach breaks along the length of the beach. Fishing This beach has rocks at one end, the creek at the other and usually rip holes and gutters along the beach. General A natural beach, mainly used by the Breamlea locals for bathing, surfing and fishing. SLSA provides this information as a guide only. Surf conditions are variable and therefore this information should not be relied upon as a substitute for observation of local conditions and an understanding of your abilities in the surf. SLSA reminds you to always swim between the red and yellow flags and never swim at unpatrolled beaches. SLSA takes all care and responsibility for any translation but it cannot guarantee that all translations will be accurate. General Beach Hazard Rating: 6 Least hazardous: 1-3 Moderately hazardous: 4-6 Highly hazardous: 7-8 Extremely hazardous: 9-10 Hazard rating refers to physical beach and surf conditions ONLY and does not include potentially dangerous marine life.

Ocean Grove

Ocean Grove - Collendina Beach

Collendina Beach occupies most of the open bay between Point Lonsdale and Barwon Heads. It is 6 km long, extending from the reefs west of Point Lonsdale Beach to 1 km west of the Collendina Beach car park. The only public access is at the car park, together with tracks over the foredune from the caravan park. The beach faces south-south-east and for the most part is backed by 10 to 20 m high, vegetated dunes, with a few blowouts. It receives waves averaging between 1 and 1.5 m, which break over a wide, low gradient surf zone and occasional reefs and rocks. Persistent rips occur every 250 m, with some permanent rips against the more prominent reefs. During bigger seas, waves break on outer, deeper reefs. Swimming Be careful on this beach as there are usually deep rip holes and strong currents along the beach. Stay inshore on the attached section of the bars and well clear of the rips and reefs. Surfing There are many beach and a few reef breaks along the beach, with best conditions in a low to moderate swell and northerly winds. Fishing There are excellent persistent rip holes and occasional gutters along the beach, plus some occasional reefs. General A long relatively natural beach offering plenty of sand, a low gradient inner surf for bathing, rip holes for fishing and numerous beach breaks for surfing. Carpark Type: Formal parking area Surface: Sealed Spaces: 200 SLSA provides this information as a guide only. Surf conditions are variable and therefore this information should not be relied upon as a substitute for observation of local conditions and an understanding of your abilities in the surf. SLSA reminds you to always swim between the red and yellow flags and never swim at unpatrolled beaches. SLSA takes all care and responsibility for any translation but it cannot guarantee that all translations will be accurate. General Beach Hazard Rating: 7 Least hazardous: 1-3 Moderately hazardous: 4-6 Highly hazardous: 7-8 Extremely hazardous: 9-10 Hazard rating refers to physical beach and surf conditions ONLY and does not include potentially dangerous marine life.

Ocean Grove

Ocean Grove Beach

Ocean Grove Beach is located in the centre of the 9.5 km long beach that curves in a broad, south facing arc from Point Lonsdale to the Barwon River mouth. The Ocean Grove section is 2 km long and faces south-east. Some protection is offered by Barwon Heads and the beach receives waves averaging 1.4m. These waves interact with the fine beach sand to produce a wide, low gradient beach face, fronted by a 300m wide surf zone that contains strong rips every 250m. During moderate waves, the rips increase in size and intensity toward Collendina, while decreasing toward Barwon Heads. At low tide, the beach and exposed bar can be over 100 m wide, with the deeper rip channels clearly visible. The town of Ocean Grove backs the beach, with a wide, well-arranged foreshore reserve between the town and the beach. It provides extensive parking, together with most beach amenities. The good parking and easy access, together with the surf club patrols and slightly lower waves make this a popular summer beach. The Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club was formed in 1948 and performs an average of 8 rescues each year. Swimming A moderately safe beach, particularly during average summer conditions, when extensive bars dominate. Best at high tide, however watch the rips, particularly at low tide. Best to stay between the flags. Surfing Usually has wide, moderate to low beach breaks; more popular with summer surfers. Fishing Best to go up the beach away from the summer crowds, and where rip holes are more common. General A popular summer beach, which can hold a large crowd. It has a wide, shallow surf zone with rips increasing up the beach, so it is best to stay near the surf club and bathe in the patrolled area. Carpark Type: Formal parking area Surface: Sealed Spaces: 200 SLSA provides this information as a guide only. Surf conditions are variable and therefore this information should not be relied upon as a substitute for observation of local conditions and an understanding of your abilities in the surf. SLSA reminds you to always swim between the red and yellow flags and never swim at unpatrolled beaches. SLSA takes all care and responsibility for any translation but it cannot guarantee that all translations will be accurate. General Beach Hazard Rating: 6 Least hazardous: 1-3 Moderately hazardous: 4-6 Highly hazardous: 7-8 Extremely hazardous: 9-10 Hazard rating refers to physical beach and surf conditions ONLY and does not include potentially dangerous marine life.

Ocean Grove

Ocean Grove Nature Reserve

The Ocean Grove Nature Reserve is the only preserved native woodland on the Bellarine Peninsula. Home to 178 species of native plants, including 22 orchids, the reserve is an important tract of land. Wildlife within the reserve includes wallabies, echidnas, possums and koalas. There are also snakes and lizards, as well as some 167 species of bird recorded as being spotted within the reserve.

Point Lonsdale

Point Lonsdale Beach

Point Lonsdale forms the western side of Port Phillip Heads, with The Rip separating it from Point Nepean. The town of Point Lonsdale has a protected bay beach and more exposed ocean beaches. The main ocean beach is known as the Surf or Back Beach and is the site of Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club, founded in 1947. A walking track leads from the surf club over the dunes to the beach. Surf Beach extends for 900 m from a wide, intertidal rock platform, located just east of the surf lifesaving club, to where more rocks and reefs outcrop in the surf. In fact, low tide rock flats dominate this beach and are clearly visible at low tide. The beach faces south-west and receives waves averaging 1.4 m, which produce a single attached bar, cut by strong rips every 250 m. In addition, strong permanent rips run out against some of the reefs, the worst being The Escalator to the left of the club house. These rips have been responsible for many rescues, with an average of 30 each year. There have also been drownings at the beach, so be very wary and stay between the flags. Swimming A moderately hazardous beach owing to the moderate waves and strong permanent and shifting rips, together with rocks and reefs. Definitely stay on the bars, clear of the rips and rocks and between the flags. Surfing Beach breaks are common over the numerous reefs, with the best known as Glaneuses, located at the end of Glaneuse Road, and adjacent to The Escalator rip. It offers a good left over the reef. Surfing is best with northerly winds, a low to moderate swell at mid to high tide, as the reefs are exposed at low tide. Fishing A popular spot offering permanent rips and gutters, particularly adjacent to the reefs and rocks. General This is the surf beach for the popular Point Lonsdale holiday town and very popular with bathers in summer and surfers year round. However it is a hazardous beach with strong permanent rips, so use extreme care. Carpark Type: Formal parking area Surface: Sealed Spaces: 100 SLSA provides this information as a guide only. Surf conditions are variable and therefore this information should not be relied upon as a substitute for observation of local conditions and an understanding of your abilities in the surf. SLSA reminds you to always swim between the red and yellow flags and never swim at unpatrolled beaches. SLSA takes all care and responsibility for any translation but it cannot guarantee that all translations will be accurate. General Beach Hazard Rating: 8 Least hazardous: 1-3 Moderately hazardous: 4-6 Highly hazardous: 7-8 Extremely hazardous: 9-10 Hazard rating refers to physical beach and surf conditions ONLY and does not include potentially dangerous marine life.

Point Lonsdale

Point Lonsdale Lighthouse

The Point Lonsdale Lighthouse is on the Western side of Port Phillip Heads overlooking the Rip and all seaborne traffic bound for Melbourne passes by it. Whilst signals have operated on this point since 1852, the current concrete towers was built in 1902. The lighthouse precinct, including nearby military defence structure, is registered with Heritage Victoria. The area around the base of the lighthouse is accessible to the public and tours of the interior are conducted by the Queenscliff Maritime Museum most Sundays and at various holiday times throughout the year.

Point Lonsdale

Point Lonsdale Playground

Adjacent to the front beach in Point Lonsdale is a fantastic adventure playground for kids of all ages. The park is well shaded and has toilets, BBQ, seating and parking nearby.

Portarlington

Boating in Portarlington

There are several places to launch a boat in Portarlington and surrounding areas. The Point Richards boat ramp, just west of town, has just been upgraded. It is now a safer facility with two lanes, able to take larger scale boats and is close to King George Whiting and snapper grounds. Other nearby boat ramps include those at St Leonards, Indented Head and Clifton Springs.

Portarlington

Fishing in Portarlington

The Portarlington Pier is a popular fishing spot. The main pier runs North-South and at the end a breakwater runs East-West. It is a good spot to catch salmon. Mullet, garfish and trevally are often caught in the harbour and squid can be caught on the Western side. Boat ramps in the area can launch anglers into the bay and hooking snapper, whiting, flathead and sharks.

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Packages & Offers

Winter Warmer Getaway

Seahaven Village - Taste of The Bellarine $495

Romantic getaway at Whitecrest Resort from $620

Seaside Family Escape $275.00 per night

BIG 4 Beacon Resort Blues Train Package

Winter Warmer Getaway

Seahaven Village - Taste of The Bellarine $495

Romantic getaway at Whitecrest Resort from $620

Seaside Family Escape $275.00 per night

BIG 4 Beacon Resort Blues Train Package